Thursday, June 30, 2011

Last of the $399 GH1s at Adorama -- Get 'em while they're hot!


Introduced in 2009, the trailblazing Panasonic GH1 camera was the first hybrid DSLR form-factor camera with full manual control of video, 1080/24p, an articulating LCD, an external mic jack and the ability to easily mount a wide range of native, non-native and legacy lenses. With the incredible progress made in the past 2 years, it's easy to forget how revolutionary this camera was. And with the "GH13" and "GH17" hacks, all versions of this camera are now able to record at bitrates up to 100mbps -- producing images of unbelievable resolution and clarity.

Now, the 'venerable' GH1 is out of production -- and almost out of stock. A few weeks ago, they were available for $399 from Samy's (directly and through Amazon), at B&H and at Adorama.

But today, Samy's and B&H are sold out, and Adorama has the last of the GH1s at the $399 price point. If you're an aspiring filmmaker on a budget, if you need a micro 4/3 camera to back up your GH2, or if you're a DSLR or camcorder shooter who wants to see what the fuss is all about, you can't go wrong at this price. I got one a few weeks ago to back up my GH2, and couldn't be happier.

Please get your $399 GH1 here to support this site. If you want one with the hard-to-find Panasonic 20mm/f1.7 for just $300 more, you can order it here. Thanks!

If you like this blog, please support us by shopping with our sponsors through these links: AdoramaAmazonCrutchfieldOneCall, and Unique Photo.

Monday, June 6, 2011

Panasonic GH2 body only for $899.99 at Unique Photo

EDIT- as of 6/17/11 - NO LONGER IN STOCK

If you already have micro 4/3 lenses (or non-micro 4/3 lenses with adapters), here is the hard-to-find Panasonic GH2 body-only from Unique Photo in New Jersey.

I have done business with these folks -- their prices are great, they don't try to upsell you after the sale, if they say that it's in stock it actually is in stock and they have a physical store where you can actually walk in, handle real merchandise and talk to a real person.  Recommended.






Available in black or in silver.

If you like this blog, please support us by shopping with our sponsors through these links: AdoramaAmazonCrutchfieldOneCall, and Unique Photo.

Saturday, June 4, 2011

Get your new GH2 from Canada for $1450 plus shipping!

Mostly Digital in Canada has them in stock as of this writing. I wish I was getting a commission from these guys, but I don't!


I'm sure that their stock is limited -- so if they run out, or you don't want to risk importing your camera from north of the border without a U.S. warranty, you can get one from Amazon for $1497 (free shipping!)

If you like this blog, please support us by shopping with our sponsors through these links: AdoramaAmazonCrutchfieldOneCall, and Unique Photo

Wednesday, June 1, 2011

I'm starting to come around on the Nikon D5100

Even though there seems to be a lot of angst over whether or not the D5100 has full manual control in video mode, this 1080i video from David at soundimageplus is pretty impressive (on a computer monitor, at least).




Very sharp, even with the kit lens, and fabulous color saturation.  I looked for moire in the ripples of the stream and could not find it.

And the new Ashton Kucher D5100 commercial (shot with the D5100 itself) is pretty cool too:



I'm still not enthused about the 20 minute shot time limit or the viewfinder that goes away in video mode due to the old-fashioned SLR mirror - so I'll stick with the GH2. But for those who don't mind these challenges, or who have already made a significant investment in Nikon glass, the D5100 seems to produce very nice video images at a reasonable price.  You can pick one up for $799 (body-only) at AmazonNikon D5100 16.2MP CMOS Digital SLR Camera with 3-inch Vari-Angle LCD Monitor (Body Only).
If you like this blog, please support us by shopping with our sponsors through these links: AdoramaAmazonCrutchfieldOneCall, and Unique Photo.